Chamber News

Norfolk County Council and the Norfolk Resilience Forum have put together a toolkit for businesses to support reopening after lockdown. 

The toolkit is a comprehensive guide for all businesses reopening from 12 April across the Tourism, Leisure, Hospitality and Retail sectors. The guide can also be used by other businesses who would like information and guidance to help them reopen and operate their business safely.

  In February 2021, the UK government set out its roadmap for easing of lockdown restrictions. The easing is a gradual process, and although dates are mentioned (as earliest dates), the next step in the process will only happen if the numbers of key factors such as infections and vaccinations are demonstrating that it is ok to do so.   Although the exit from lockdown has now begun, we need to proceed with caution. Coronavirus will be in our community for some time to come, meaning that outbreaks can, and will, occur.   Developments over the past few months, particularly rapid testing and the roll out of the vaccination programme, mean that we now have more strategies to manage Covid whilst re-opening our economy.   Customer confidence will be a key aspect of re-opening the economy. Seeing businesses take customer safety and concerns seriously could be a deciding factor in whether a customer chooses you or someone else. This guide will give you information on key measures which you can take to look after your staff and customers. No single approach is a ‘silver bullet’ in managing coronavirus / Covid-19 – each are important and when taken as a collective approach, will be more effective.   Getting the balance between providing a service, generating income and ensuring Covid-secure measures are in place and adhered to is not easy. Some of the changes are likely to be beneficial and you may like them to stay; for the ones that are more difficult and restrictive, remember that they are not forever, and if they help your business to stay open then they’re probably worth it.     You can access the full toolkit and sign up for email updates on reopening resources here

The full guide is below:

The BCC is urging the government to give businesses much greater clarity on its roadmap out of lockdown as firms continue to suffer. 

The business organisation, which represents tens of thousands of companies of all shapes and sizes across the UK, has written to the government seeking updates on a number of vital issues. 

In particular, it says firms need to know how the government is assessing its four tests to determine if the roadmap will be followed. This includes providing regular updates on progress against the tests so that businesses can plan ahead. 

Firms also need more detail on the practicalities of reopening and the government’s various reviews so they can make concrete plans on how they will operate – for example, what social distancing rules will be in place at each stage of the roadmap and beyond. 

Companies are also looking to government for clarity on potential legal issues surrounding vaccinations. 

Finally, businesses which operate across the UK need the government and devolved administrations to work together on synchronising their differing routes out of lockdown. 

It follows a BCC survey of more than 1,000 firms at the end of January which revealed that many firms were struggling due to the continued COVID restrictions: 

• 55 per cent of respondents say they are looking to access finance over the next twelve months. Of these, almost two out of three (63 per cent) are doing so to support their cashflow and only 28 per cent are doing so to invest in products, research and development, or equipment.
• A quarter (26 per cent) of firms describe their current level of debt as either ‘unmanageable’ or ‘high and manageable’. This rises to 32 per cent for consumer-facing firms like hospitality and retail.
• Almost a third (32 per cent) of all respondents said they saw write offs relating to Covid-19 lockdowns or restrictions in the last twelve months.

Of the firms reporting write offs, the mean average approximate financial value of these write offs was just over £61k, while the median average was £5k. 

 Of the 527 micro firms (businesses with less than 10 employees or sole traders) that responded to this question, 34 per cent of respondents said they saw write offs relating to Covid-19 lockdowns or restrictions in the last twelve months. The mean average approximate financial value of these write offs was £28.5k. 

Commenting on the lack of roadmap clarity, Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith, President of the BCC, said:  

“The route back to a full reopening of the economy is still a long way off, with continued uncertainty about whether, and when, the roadmap steps will be met.  

“Far too little has been revealed about how the Government is assessing its four tests on the roadmap for businesses to accurately judge whether it will happen as planned. 

“The timescales for some firms to get ready are already short. Others will be holding out for decisions to be made around issues like international travel and tourism to finally give them hope for the future. 

“The UK Government must also find a way to work much more closely with the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on a collective route out of lockdown. Many businesses operate across these borders, in both directions, which makes planning their restart even more complex. 

“Many companies appear reluctant to invest, buy in new stock or make plans for how they will operate when so much is still unknown. They have built up huge levels of debt throughout a year of continued restrictions, seen their cashflow reduced to a trickle in some sectors, while others have been forced to absorb large write-offs due to sudden lockdowns.” 

The move will see the training provider take a leading role in helping Norfolk Chambers of Commerce support all businesses with their learning and development

A partnership between Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and learning and development training provider Turning Factor will provide businesses with more opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and continuous learning.

Turning Factor delivers high quality training both nationally and internationally with a specialism in bespoke training programmes. Norfolk Chambers of Commerce has recently launched the Norfolk Knowledge Hub, a knowledge and skills sharing digital platform that helps businesses learn from each other.

The partnership will enable more businesses being able to access free-to-view training videos, podcasts and articles from Turning Factor within the Hub, which is available on desktop or free downloadable app, and also at key events.

James Howells, Director of Turning Factor said: “As a long established Norfolk born business we are delighted to be partnering with the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, it gives us the opportunity to help support and be at the centre of Norfolk’s dynamic business environment. It is a pleasure to be working with the team at Norfolk Chambers and we all look forward to an exciting 2021.”

Chris Sargisson, CEO of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said: “This is an exciting time for Norfolk Chambers as we look to drive forward our plans to provide businesses with a Digital Chamber – a place to gain knowledge, make connections and share success in a digital space.

“Having Turning Factor as a Strategic Partner means that we can collaborate on taking ‘classroom learning’ to the digital space of the Norfolk Knowledge Hub. Businesses can then access this bite-sized learning and development training in one place and can get a taster to what Turning Factor can do for business.”

For more information about Turning Factor click here

Commenting on GDP figures for January 2021 published today by the ONS, BCC Head of Economics, Suren Thiru, said:  

“The latest data confirms a better than expected start to the year for the UK economy as the third lockdown and post-Brexit border disruption combined to trigger only a relatively modest decline in economic activity in January.   

“The vaccine rollout and budget stimulus will boost output as restrictions ease. However, the lingering economic effects of covid, including elevated consumer and business debt levels, may severely limit the pace of any recovery.  

“Despite a number of welcome announcements in the budget, there are still many businesses and individuals who have, through no fault of their own, been excluded from government support. Many will require help if they are to navigate a difficult few months ahead before the economy is able to fully reopen.”  

 On the ONS UK-EU trade figures for January 2021, Thiru added:

“While changes in data collection limit historic comparisons, the significant slump in UK exports of goods to the EU, particularly compared to non-EU trade, provides an ominous indication of the damage being done to post-Brexit trade with the EU by the current border disruption. 

“Continued coronavirus restrictions and the unwinding of Brexit stockpiling also added to downward pressure on trade between the UK and EU in January. 

“The practical difficulties faced by businesses on the ground go well beyond just teething problems and with disruption to UK-EU trade flows persisting, trade is likely to be a drag on UK economic growth in the first quarter of 2021. 

“Although the postponement of import checks will help avoid exacerbating the current disruption, there must be a greater focus on long-term solutions to improving the flow of UK-EU trade. Offering tax credits to support firms to adapt to the new arrangements would help many address new burdens and requirements better.” 

Commenting on the announcement of the extension, Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the BCC, said:  “Businesses would welcome the additional flexibility and pragmatism that an extension to the eviction ban brings in helping to weather this period of tightened restrictions. “We are pleased that the government has listened to our calls for further action. As we look to reopen the economy, the flexibility this gives landlords and tenants to reach agreement and plan for the successful restart of their operations, will be welcomed by Chamber members. “The BCC engages regularly with government to ensure all businesses receive the financial support commensurate with the restrictions placed upon them.” 

Post-Brexit checks on some EU goods coming into Great Britain have been delayed by six months in order to give businesses more time to prepare.

The government said the new timetable would help firms recovering in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It means physical checks on products such as meat and milk due from July will now begin in January 2022.

The requirement for health certificates on such products has been pushed back from April to October.

It is the second time that the timetable for the checks, originally due after the post-Brexit transition ended in January 2021, has been put back.   

Commenting on this announcement of the postponement, Adam Marshall, Director General of the BCC, said: 

“This is a positive step as it recognises what everyone in business has known for weeks now: UK-EU trade has faced, and continues to face, significant disruption and difficulty.  

“Ministers are right to delay the implementation of import checks that would slow trade even further – but this can only be a temporary solution. 

“What businesses want to see is an end to the damaging political rhetoric from both sides, and a focus on improving border flow for the long term. The UK and the EU must get back around the table and thrash out the remaining structural problems in the Trade and Co-operation Agreement. 

“For some UK firms, the continued problems with EU trade are threatening their very existence.  It should not be the case that companies simply have to give up on importing from, or exporting to, the market next door.”   

Norfolk’s leading business to business showcase returns on Thursday 14th October 2021 at Norfolk Showground* 

The B2B Exhibition is Norfolk’s largest business-to-business exhibition. Free to attend and attracting hundreds of businesses on the day, B2B is a highlight on the Norfolk events calendar. 

For exhibitors, the event gives the opportunity to meet new potential clients, catch up with existing contacts and have a presence at this prestigious event. 

If you are interested in becoming an exhibitor at B2B you can find out how to book your stand here

Here’s what some businesses have said about the B2B Exhibition: 

“Every year the B2B just gets better and better. It’s the place to truly engage with people. The go to business event of the year.” – Business Growth Club

“We have exhibited at the Norfolk B2B every year for as long as I can remember. It is always a good event and provides an excellent opportunity to catch up with local customers and contacts.”

– 101 Smart Ltd

“(B2B) is a fantastic event and a greatplatform to meet new people and businesses. The shell schemes were great and weloved the venue. We look forward to exhibiting again!”

– Archive-Vault Ltd

“The event was superbly organised and promoted – we loved the venue and will definitely be back next year!”

– University of East Anglia

*We are doing everything we can to bring you this event in October by following government COVID guidelines. However, due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic we may have to postpone this event at short notice if circumstances arise that are out of our control.

Norfolk’s leading business to business showcase returns on Thursday 14th October 2021 at Norfolk Showground* 

The B2B Exhibition is Norfolk’s largest business-to-business exhibition. Free to attend and attracting hundreds of businesses on the day, B2B is a highlight on the Norfolk events calendar. 

For sponsors, the event gives the opportunity to get your brand in front of new potential clients, existing contacts and the Norfolk business community leading up to and including te event. You will also have a presence at this prestigious event. 

This year we have developed some special sponsorship opportunities for business like yours – and we can also work with you to create a bespoke sponsorship package that really works for you.

Discover more about our sponsorship opportunities here 

For all sponsorship enquiries, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]

Here’s what some businesses have said about the B2B Exhibition: 

“Every year the B2B just gets better and better. It’s the place to truly engage with people. The go to business event of the year.” – Business Growth Club

  “We have exhibited at the Norfolk B2B every year for as long as I can remember. It is always a good event and provides an excellent opportunity to catch up with local customers and contacts.” – 101 Smart Ltd   “(B2B) is a fantastic event and a greatplatform to meet new people and businesses. The shell schemes were great and weloved the venue. We look forward to exhibiting again!” – Archive-Vault Ltd   “The event was superbly organised and promoted – we loved the venue and will definitely be back next year!” – University of East Anglia

*We are doing everything we can to bring you this event in October by following government COVID guidelines. However, due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic we may have to postpone this event at short notice if circumstances arise that are out of our control.

Can you remember meeting like-minded people face-to-face? While the pandemic has given rise to virtual events and networking we are all looking forward to the time when we can safely meet in person!

To hopefully give you a little bit of light at the end of the lockdown era, we are bringing back Norfolk’s leading business to business showcase this October.

B2B will take place on Thursday 14th October 2021* at the Norfolk Showground and we are making sure that the event will be COVID secure, so that you can once again get the opportunity to meet hundreds of local businesses face-to-face, building genuine connections and solving your business needs.

Alongside an exhibition of amazing businesses, you can also attend free business workshops and seminars, our Knowledge Hub where you can access business know-how from business specialists, and speed networking sessions will be running throughout the day. There will also be a ticketed after party to give you more opportunities to network.

The event is ticketed but free to attend for all businesses. Advance booking will be available soon.

If you are interested in becoming a B2B sponsor or an exhibitor at B2B you can find out how to book your stand here or becoming a sponsor here or by calling Kalene on 01603 625977 or email [email protected]

*We are doing everything we can to bring you this event in October by following government COVID guidelines. However, due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic we may have to postpone this event at short notice if circumstances arise that are out of our control.

Sarah Howard MBE believes women in business have a lot to be proud of but more needs to be done to make sure their voices are heard, especially in company boardrooms. 

The business owner and company director said: “The world has moved on since I started my career and while challenges remain, most women starting out today will not have to fight as many of the battles that I did. 

“But there is still much to be done to champion the role of women in the workplace and to make sure that all businesses have better female representation across the board to improve diversity, and ultimately to improve business outcomes.  I think it is the responsibility of every woman in a high-profile role to talk about their work and to encourage others to take on the challenge. 

“This is something that businesses should be considering every single day of the year but it’s great that we have this day to fully focus upon it. 

“Our chamber network, in the UK and around the world, is full of women who have been there and done that and continue to be pioneers in visibly championing the leadership roles of women in business. On International Women’s Day we’re here to give the advice and encouragement that others need.”  

As part of its commitment to International Women’s Day the BCC has also surveyed women across its UK Chamber and International Chamber Networks about their current experiences in the workplace. 

Its findings revealed that across the 123 chamber and business group network: 

·         Almost half (48 per cent) of its organisations were composed of more than 70 per cent women 

·         Only five per cent had less than 30 per cent women on their teams 

·         Just under 40 per cent had a female Chief Executive Officer or Director General 

The survey also asked women across the network for their thoughts and feedback on what it means to be a woman in business: 

Sara Williams, from the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Women shouldn’t be afraid of being passionate on the issues that they care about. They should have confidence in their own beliefs and ability. Chambers are the perfect place to offer support, encouragement and confidence building and providing role models for businesses, partners and our own teams. If given the opportunity, women bring a wider perspective into the workplace and are often the hidden glue in a team.” 

Francesca Ortiz, from the British Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic, said: “History has shown us that women have accomplished many triumphs through their own efforts and merits. However, although we have come a long way, there is so much more to be done. Through mutual support, women can learn from each other’s experiences and best practices, share advice, build a support network, address challenges together and carry out important projects together.” 

Sharon Smith, from Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “With a national skills shortage in some areas, women are a vital part of the solution and it’s so important that we encourage and attract this part of the labour force into roles to support the economy. Women in the workforce are also essential for balance in team dynamics – the diversification that gender balance brings is critical to any successful team.” 

Adjoba Kyiamah, from the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, said: “When I first became a manager, I was the only female and all the men on the team had more experience than I did and were very self-assured. At meetings, if I had any misgivings about decisions taken, I would keep my thoughts to myself because I assumed that they knew what they were doing. Experience has taught me that I was usually right and my perspective matters.”  

More information on the BCC’s celebration of International Women’s Day can be found on our website: https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/page/international-womens-day

Norfolk Chambers also shared stories of some of our female members across our social channels and on our e-zine Norfolk’s Voice. Join in the conversation and let’s give voice!  International Women’s Day 2021 – Sharing Stories: Women in Business | Norfolks Voice

Responding to an announcement by The Treasury that the Job Retention Scheme will be extended until the end of September, Chris Sargisson, CEO of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The extension of the furlough scheme shows that the Chancellor has listened to our business communities. Many firms will be breathing a huge sigh of relief, particularly those businesses that are still closed or facing reduced demand due to Covid-19 restrictions.  

“The furlough scheme has been a lifeline for companies all across the UK. This extension gives firms much more clarity on the way ahead, and will allow many to plan with greater optimism and confidence as they look to restart and rebuild over the coming months.”   

If your business has been affected by the pandemic, remember that you can get support on our Coronavirus Support Hub

Great Yarmouth has secured a Town Deal of £20.1m Government investment to deliver an exciting £60m vision supporting economic regeneration, recovery, jobs and growth across the borough’s main urban areas.

The major capital funding, confirmed in the Chancellor’s Budget, follows submission in December of an ambitious Town Investment Plan for Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and Bradwell, focussing on attracting further investment, driving economic regeneration and recovery.

Shaped through a Town Deal Board of local ambassadors, alongside significant public engagement, the ambition is to re-invent public places, to tap into and grow a thriving arts and cultural scene, to support new homes, nurture new jobs, businesses and new opportunities to learn and grow, to make residents, businesses and visitors proud.

To discover more, watch this video or visit www.futuregreatyarmouth.co.uk

The Town Deal comes on top of £13.77m from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund and £8m from the Government’s Getting Building Fund, bringing the total national investment announced in the last seven months to £42m.

Chris Sargisson, CEO of Norfolk Chambers and Vice Chair of the Town Deal Board said: “This is very exciting news for Great Yarmouth and will bring benefits to both businesses and residents alike.”

Henry Cator, Chairman of the Town Deal Board and High Steward of Great Yarmouth, said: “This great news for our borough is thanks to the hard work and expertise of many people from private, public and third sector organisations, who were involved in shaping a really compelling Town Investment Plan, as well as everyone who took part in the public surveys and engagement to share their priorities for investment.

“Our residents and communities are at the heart of our ambition to realise a vibrant and inclusive coastal economy that builds upon our successes and our strengths in clean energy and culture, capitalises upon our natural assets, heritage and attractions and responds to emerging cultural and technological challenges.”

Cllr Carl Smith and Cllr Trevor Wainwright, Leaders of the Council’s main political groups, said: “The Town Deal is a critical part of our agenda with partners to invest in our place, to support economic regeneration, recovery and job prospects for communities, which includes the £26m new Marina Centre and £120m Third River Crossing now underway.

“We are overjoyed to have secured 81 per cent of the funding ask towards delivering the vision. To have unlocked national investment of £42m in just seven months is phenomenal for a borough of our size and that will really help with securing further investment from a range of sources.  

“This national capital investment is critical to supporting economic recovery in the medium to long term and comes on top of more than £40m we’ve administered in the last year in grants to support businesses, many of which we realise are struggling in the here and now.”

Brandon Lewis, Great Yarmouth’s MP, said: “This significant investment is great news for the borough, helping to push forward a vision of Great Yarmouth best placed to address the opportunities and challenges of the modern age.

“As the MP for Great Yarmouth, I passionately supported this bid in Westminster and I would like to praise the Town Deal Board and borough council for putting forward a compelling vision and robust case for Great Yarmouth.”

Following the Budget announcement, the council will work with the Town Deal Board and other partners on stage two of the programme, which involves working with partners to develop business cases for each of the projects.